Extent of Implementation of Solo Parents Welfare Act: Basis for Policy Recommendation in the Department of Education

This study explores the implementation of the Solo Parents Welfare Act and the challenges faced by solo parent-teachers in the Department of Education Region III, Philippines, for the School Year 2024-2025 and proposes policy recommendations for a more inclusive workplace. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-method approach, utilizing purposive sampling to select 50 DepEd solo parent-teachers. Quantitative data were gathered using survey questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that most respondents hold units in a master’s degree, earn Php 25,000 and above, have over 21 years of service, have one dependent, and have been solo parents for 6 to 10 years. Results reveal that the overall implementation of the Solo Parents Welfare Act is partial, with employment benefits and livelihood training being moderately implemented, while medical assistance and counseling services are less accessible. No significant difference in benefits was observed based on education, economic status, length of service, years as a solo parent, and mental health, except for the number of dependents, which showed a significant difference. Meanwhile, solo parent-teachers encounter personal and professional challenges. The personal challenges are mental and emotional well-being exhaustion, imbalanced work-life and time management, neglected health and physical well-being, financial and practical support difficulty, and lack of workplace and social support. On the other hand, the professional challenges are neglected professional growth and development, lack of institutional support, additional workload, job financial insecurities, and absence of a school-home boundary. However, solo parent-teachers adopted many strategies to deal with the difficulties of juggling their roles as solo parents and teachers, such as personal strength and resilience, workplace and policy awareness, social and emotional support, self-care and personal well-being, and spiritual sensitivity. Policy recommendations include enhancing livelihood and counseling services, improving DepEd solo parent-teacher medical and employment benefits, and providing financial assistance and flexible work arrangements. Strengthening institutional support through career development and wellness programs is also proposed. These findings highlight the need for improved implementation of policies supporting solo parent-teachers, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive educational workplace.